Worst-case scenario: High expectations lead to major disappointment for the Atlanta Hawks
As previously stated, the Hawks are a team going into next season with high expectations, and with good reason. A young core getting more experienced, Trae Young continuing to become a “superstar,” and promising rookies all point to the Hawks picking up right back where they left off. However, such high expectations could hold a fairly young team back.
The fact that Atlanta’s core is so young is obviously exciting moving forward, but in the short term, it could be dangerous. The team tasted real success last season, which means fans, experts and the team itself will likely expect to continue on that success. For a team that doesn’t have much veteran leadership, these lofty expectations could put so much pressure on the Hawks that it holds them back.
Atlanta has to make sure they don’t measure success based on last season or what other teams are doing this season. If they get caught up in trying to keep up with teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks in the standings they could struggle. It’s important they just focus on making the playoffs and go from there.